Shame of school where pupils learn under trees

Leaders are yet to fulfil their promise to construct classrooms at a school that was started 10 years ago.

The more than 200 Standard One to Six pupils at Loliondo Primary School in Ololiondo Village, Trans Mara West Sub-County, are therefore forced to learn under trees.

This subjects them to the vagaries of weather such as strong winds, heavy rains, dust and scorching sunshine.

The school has only two structures: an unfinished brick structure that serves as the staffroom, store, kitchen, library and the headteacher’s office, and another built with worn out iron sheets.

The first structure was built through the Kilgoris Constituency Development Fund in 2010 and the other by parents.

The school occupies 40 acres of land that was donated by the Ololiondo community.

Early childhood education classes are taught in the ironsheet structure, where more than 50 pupils squeeze on the dusty floor, where they sit.

Every morning, each of the more than 200 pupils carries a container of water to school.

The water is not only meant to quench their thirst but is also sprinkled on the ground to reduce dust.

Mr Solomon ole Kinne, a parent, said another structure made of iron sheets was damaged by heavy winds last year.

He recalled how parents fenced off the land to protect it from grabbers, adding that they also ensured the school was registered with the authorities.

FALSE PROMISES

Mr Kinne said political leaders have been promising them classrooms in vain.

“We are tired of empty promises from our leaders” said Mr Kinne. “During election campaigns they tell us to vote for them, promising that all will be well, but we are still waiting.”

The head teacher, Ms Gloria Sereyian, said she was tired of making visits to various government offices for help.

Ms Sereyian, who joined the school a year ago, said she was tired of begging.

“My pleas have fallen on deaf ears,” she said. “I have given up. I cannot beg anymore.”

According to Ms Sereyian, most of the pupils come from poor families and their parents cannot afford to take them to better schools.

She said one has to cross a river that is impassable during the rainy season to reach the only neighbouring school.

Ms Sereyian said the school has only two government-employed teachers. The other five are employed by parents.

“Should I ask parents for money to pay the teachers or to build classrooms?” she wondered.

The head teacher said compared to the classrooms issue, the laptop project is not a priority to her.